Bath are facing yet more frustration over attempts to expand their Recreation Ground with the local council delaying any decision over allowing the club to put in extra seating ahead of next season.

Bath had hoped to add 2,000 temporary seats to their ground on the banks of the Avon but the council opted to defer the call leaving Bath with 12,000 seats to play with next season. The decision is the latest setback Bath have faced as they fight for permission to redevelop their stadium both on a permanent and temporary basis.

Bath CEO Nick Blofeld said: "We are clearly very disappointed that B&NES Development Control Committee has chosen to delay the decision for our temporary application proposal. This presents us with significant operational challenges to be ready for the start of the season, however, we will of course work hard with B&NES to assist them in coming to a positive decision, and still hope to increase our capacity during the period of our 150th anniversary."

Despite this setback, Blofeld is adamant the club want their long-term future to be at the Rec.